Midlands advisory firm to host farm machinery safety training for youth
Co. Longford-based agri-advisory business, Midland Agri Consultancy is to deliver a farm machinery safety programme targeted at young people.
Speaking to Agriland, Paul Belton from Midland Agri Consultancy explained that the business will host an official launch event for the initiative on Friday (June 12).
The agri-consultancy business has secured funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to deliver what it describes as "a major farm machinery safety programme for young people in the region".
Belton said: "As everyone involved in farming knows, training and education on safety when working around machinery is paramount.
"Many young people are helping out on farms from an early age, and we believe the best way to learn safety is through practical, hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment.
"That's why these one-day practical workshops will be delivered on real working farms, giving participants the opportunity to learn around the machinery, equipment and situations they are likely to encounter in everyday farm life."
About the farm safety initiative
The programme is aimed at young people aged 14–18 years who have a connection to farming and farm machinery.
The safety courses are targeted at young people from the region who help out on a farm, drive agri-machinery, or simply have a keen interest in agriculture and farm life.
Midland Agri Consultants is a training centre that has been approved by Lantra, the leading awarding body for land-based industry, and all courses will be delivered by Belton and Thomas Quinn, both Lantra-approved agricultural training instructors.
There will be 480 places available on the training programme and Belton said that he expects these to fill very quickly.
He added: "Our goal is simple, to help young people build confidence, develop practical skills and, most importantly, stay safe around farm machinery."
More details on dates, locations and how to register will be announced soon.
Belton encouraged all those interested in finding out more to come along to the launch evening on Friday at 7:00pm at its offices in Granard, Co. Longford, there will be a number of special guests in attendance and refreshments served.
